- Jordan Henderson expected to be out until February
- Liverpool captain picked up injury early on in 3-3 draw with Arsenal
- Reds also currently without Alberto Moreno and Daniel Sturridge
- SEE MORE: Pundit hints at costly Van Dijk implication for Liverpool
Liverpool have been rocked with yet another injury setback as Jordan Henderson prepares for a spell on the sidelines.
The skipper was substituted after 14 minutes of the recent 3-3 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates after suffering a hamstring injury.
Henderson is now expected to be ruled out until February after his scan detected a grade two muscle tear, reports the Daily Mail’s Dominic King.
This marks the latest disruption in a year foiled by niggling injuries for the Englishman as well as being a blow to Jurgen Klopp’s team rotation plans over the winter period.
Henderson is set to miss a string of vital games, including an FA Cup Merseyside derby against Everton on January 5 before Liverpool’s clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield a week later.
Klopp is also currently without Alberto Moreno, who is continuing his recovery from an ankle injury he sustained in the 7-0 Champions League win over Spartak Moscow at the beginning of the month.
It remains to be seen whether Henderson’s extended absence tempts Klopp into entering the January transfer market for a midfield replacement.
The captain’s spell out of action promises to provide more opportunities for Adam Lallana, who is available again following his lengthy injury layoff, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been a standout performer for the Reds in recent weeks.
Henderson’s spell on the sidelines will also put more responsibility on the shoulders of Emre Can to once again assert himself as a reliable figure at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.
The German has performed notoriously better without Henderson by his side in the past and will be a key man in the upcoming run of tricky fixtures.